Rhinestones - Machine Cut vs Table Cut/Polished vs Fire Polished

Posted by: Stefanie Brawner, Pretty Snazzy Vintage Jewelry & Supplies

07 August 2013

One of the most common questions people have about rhinestones is what the difference is between machine cut, table cut or table polished and fire polished. A picture is worth a thousand words, which is why I'm putting in pictures, but here are the basic differences. The photos are a mix of Swarovski (Austrian) and Czech rhinestones.

1st Photo - Machine Cut (MC) - These have nice sharp facets like what you would see on a gemstone. They are the most expensive too! In about 2005-ish, Swarovski made major changes in their business structure. At that time the prices became substantially more for the "fancy" shaped machine cut stones - like 3 times as much by the time the European VAT taxes were added in. The round stones...